Electric wheelchairs – how they are powered

Electric wheelchairs, as their name suggests, are powered by electricity. They are first devised by George Klein, a famous Canadian inventor, to assist injured veterans during the Second World War. For those who have difficulty using manual wheelchairs, due to arm, hand, shoulder or more general disabling conditions, electric wheelchairs are the best option in terms of gaining physical mobility. Meanwhile, those with full function of the arms and upper torso, but having cardiovascular conditions, are also recommended to use electric wheelchairs.

Users of electric wheelchairs typically control the speed and direction of their vehicles by operating a programmable joystick on a controller. Other models may have different input devices, particularly when the users are unable to use their hands or fingers. For example, those with spinal cord or head injuries can operate their electric wheelchairs by blowing into specially designed tubes located near their mouths, which control the functions and movements of their vehicles.

Electric wheelchairs are available in three types – rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, and mid-wheel drive. While rear-wheel drive models are generally faster, front-wheel drive models are able to provide better turning functions. On the other hand, mid-wheel drive electric wheelchairs have caster wheels in the rear and an extra set of anti-tip wheels in the front, and are able to provide the best turning of all.

More importantly, many types of electric wheelchairs come with additional features, including power stand, power recline, power tilt and power elevation. These features provide various kinds of postural support and help prevent pressure sores.

Electric wheelchairs operate on rechargeable batteries. Most of them are equipped with 12-volt batteries, which are capable of going 24 to 32 kilometres (15 to 20 miles) over level terrains. It should be noted that many electric wheelchairs use gel cell sealed batteries. Unlike wet batteries, which require the addition of distilled water approximately once every two months in order to avoid permanent damage, gel batteries do not require water. As a result, gel batteries do not have corrosion problems. Nonetheless, the major disadvantage of gel batteries is that they usually cost more and have about 10 to 20 percent less capacity than wet batteries.

Most electric wheelchairs carry an on-board charger, which can be plugged into a standard wall outlet to recharge the batteries. However, some portable models may have separate charger units, which allow their users to recharge the batteries even when the electric wheelchairs are stored away in cars, trains or airplanes.

When purchasing electric wheelchairs, it is important to ensure that the batteries are included and fully charged. Whether the user prefers an on-board charger or a separate charger unit, he or she should become familiar with the recharging process and techniques. Prior to travelling, users of electric wheelchairs and/or their companions need to ensure that the vehicles are safely stored away and that their batteries can be recharged whenever necessary. With appropriate care, all users of electric wheelchairs can enjoy a life of stress-free mobility.